Many of us remember how much we looked forward to reading a bedtime story as kids because it made us feel safe and at ease as our minds were transported to far-off places and enchanted lands. But as we get older, we frequently stop doing this tradition, leaving behind the happiness and magic it brings. But bedtime stories aren’t just for kids—adults can also get something out of them!
The ability to lower stress and encourage better sleep is one of the main justifications for adults to incorporate bedtime stories into their routine. It can be challenging to shut off at the end of the day and relax in today’s fast-paced society. However, an enjoyable story can help to calm the atmosphere and offer a welcome diversion from the day’s stresses.
The ability to rekindle the imagination and creativity that are frequently suppressed in our busy lives is another advantage of bedtime stories for adults. We can gain fresh insights and viewpoints by reading or listening to stories, which encourages us to think creatively and solve problems in different ways.
What, though, constitutes a good bedtime story for adults? Even though children’s stories and traditional fairy tales can still be enjoyable, some adults might prefer something a little more challenging and thought-provoking. Short stories or novel excerpts are excellent choices because they frequently have rich language and character development that adults will enjoy.
The tone and subject matter should both be taken into account when selecting a bedtime story. While some people might prefer humorous and lighthearted stories, others might prefer darker or more suspenseful ones. Finding what appeals to you and enables you to unwind completely and enjoy the experience is the key.
As someone who enjoys unwinding with a good book before bed, I can attest to the challenge of discovering the perfect bedtime story for adults. It’s not always the best idea to start reading about a complex plot or subject right before bed. For this reason, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite bedtime stories, guaranteed to fill you with comfort and contentment as you drift off to dreamland.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This historical fiction book is about two sisters named Vianne and Isabelle and is set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The sisters’ personalities and perspectives on the conflict couldn’t be more different, Vianne is attempting to shield her family from the dangers of the war, while Isabelle has chosen to join the Resistance. Love, sacrifice, and the human spirit in the face of difficulty are some of the themes covered in the book. Because of its beautifully written, emotionally charged journey that will keep readers interested all the way to the end, it is the ideal bedtime story for adults.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
A shepherd boy named Santiago sets out on a journey to pursue his dreams in this allegorical book. He encounters a variety of characters along the way who impart valuable life lessons to him about listening to one’s intuition, following one’s heart, and discovering one’s purpose. The novel examines the power of the universe, personal legend, and destiny. It is a great bedtime story for adults because it is brief, simple to read, and full of deep wisdom that will leave readers motivated and inspired.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
In this fantasy book, two magicians who have been trained since they were children to compete against one another in a game run a mysterious circus that only operates at night. The story delves into themes such as love, magic, and the strength of one’s imagination. It is a whimsical and enthralling read that will transport readers to a magical world and leave them feeling relaxed and content, making it a great bedtime story for adults.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
During World War II in Nazi Germany, a young girl named Liesel is sent to live with a foster family in this historical fiction novel. Liesel finds comfort in books, which she begins to steal and distribute among her neighbors. Love, friendship, and the efficacy of words are some of the themes examined in the book. It’s a moving and thought-provoking story that will have adults contemplating their own capacity for good and evil as they drift off to sleep.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
In this dystopian book, Jonas lives in a society that places a high value on uniformity and conformity. Being selected as the next Receiver of Memory opens his eyes to the fact that things were not always the way they are and that there is more to life than he ever could have imagined. The novel delves into questions of identity and freedom while also considering the impact of the past. It’s a chilling and deep read that will leave adults contemplating the meaning of life, making it perfect for bedtime.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This science fiction tale follows Henry, a man with a genetic disorder that forces him to time travel involuntarily, and his wife Clare. The novel explores themes of love, destiny, and the complexities of human relationships. It is a wonderful adult bedtime story since it is a one-of-a-kind and intriguing read that will have readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
In this work of historical fiction, a young boy named Daniel travels to Barcelona in the years following World War II and makes a startling discovery in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. He learns sinister details about the book’s author and the city as he investigates its backstory. Love, sorrow, and literature’s transformative potential are all themes that play out in this tale. It’s a great book to read before bed because it’s a relaxing read that will take you away to another world and time.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Lily, the protagonist of this coming-of-age narrative, escapes her abusive father and takes shelter with a group of beekeeping sisters. Love, forgiveness, and the strength of female relationships are among the themes explored in the book. It is a heartwarming and upbeat read that will leave readers feeling inspired by the resilience of the human spirit, making it a great bedtime story for adults.
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
The protagonist, Peekay, is a little child growing up in South Africa during the apartheid era. The work delves into ideas related to fortitude, persistence, and the significance of one’s own identity. Inspiring and moving, this story will get people thinking about the value of speaking up for what they believe in as they go off to sleep.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
In this bizarre and surreal book, Toru Okada searches for his missing wife while running into a number of odd people and happenings along the way. Identity, memory, and the subconscious mind are all explored in the book. Adults will enjoy this dreamlike, thought-provoking story as a great bedtime read because it will make them ponder the mysteries of the human psyche.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A young prince travels from planet to planet in this classic novella, encountering a variety of characters and picking up valuable life lessons along the way. The human condition, love, and friendship are some of the themes covered in the novella. Because it is a timeless and meaningful book that will make readers feel introspective and thoughtful, it makes a great bedtime story for adults.
So there you have it, folks – some of my favorite bedtime stories for adults! Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, boost creativity, or simply indulge in a little bit of escapism, these books are sure to leave you feeling cozy and content as you drift off to sleep. So go ahead, grab a book or tune into a podcast, and let your imagination run wild.
